What's this then?
It's Ford's all new Galaxy. The spacious seven-seater has been given a fresh new look and more room inside too.
It doesn't look all that different?
Well, that's true to a degree. There are only so many ways in which you can style a large people carrier like this, but look a little closer and you'll notice that much has changed. The front now wears the new style grille that we've already seen on the Focus and Mondeo, while sleeker headlights complete the new face. Slimmer door pillars complement the larger glazed areas and help ensure the interior feels bright and airy inside too. There will also be the option of a retractable glass panoramic roof.
What else has changed?
Ford's boffins have been hard at work to make sure that the new Galaxy drives as well as it looks and have fitted the latest 'integral link' rear suspension to that end. This system is the same as used in the new Mondeo and enables the wheel to absorb impacts better by allowing it to move further rearwards when it comes into contact with bumps in the road. In a move to improve the interior quality increased levels of soundproofing material have been fitted to the underbody, doors and wheel arch linings too.
What engines can I choose from?
Diesel is still the most popular choice in this segment of the market and Ford will have four diesel engines to choose form. All will be 2.0-litre TDCi units with power outputs varying from 120- to 150- and 180hp. A new range-topping 210hp bi-turbo TDCi engine will also be offered. For those that want a petrol engine Ford will also sell 160hp 1.5-litre and 240hp 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines in the new Galaxy.
What do I get inside?
Up front Ford will offer the option of a 10-inch digital screen in place of the standard instrument dials. The centre console becomes a much tidier affair with the fitment of a larger colour touchscreen to handle the infotainment and auxiliary systems.
The second row of seats can slide forward to allow for more legroom in the third row, and access to that is made easier by a recessed floor design and second-row seats that tilt and move forward more easily. Third-row occupants now also get arm rests and increased headroom. Keeping things practical, when you need to transport bulky cargo rather than passengers, boot space can be increased by dropping the second and third rows of seats via a boot-mounted control panel.
Dave Humphreys - 8 Apr 2015